Why Is My Pressure Washer Smoking?

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Pressure washers are powerful machines running on electric motors or gasoline engines. Like any other machine, there can be malfunctioning or problems working the pressure washer. If you have been using your pressure washer for a long time, you must take good care of it because, with time, the components in the pressure washer get worn out, and they are more prone to damage.

Smoke from the pressure washer is not a good sign, and you should immediately turn it off. Smoking a pressure washer generally means an internal fire or a fire hazard. If you are facing similar problems, then this article will help you.

This article will discuss the causes of smoke in pressure washers and how to solve it. So let’s get started!

Why Is My Pressure Washer Smoking?

If your pressure washer is smoking, there can be various reasons behind it. The most common reason for smoking is inappropriate fuel burning or insufficient oil in the gas pressure washer. Some of the other reasons are:

  • Overheated motors can also cause smoke in electric pressure washers. They overheat causing the winding to melt, which results in smoking.
  • The smoke can be steam due to water leakage to the engine or motor, where it gets heated and creates smoke. This problem can create a lot of other problems.
  • Mixing the oil in the fuel can also cause engine smoking, leading to total engine failure.
  • Overheating of internal plastic components can also be the ultimate cause of smoking.

As you can notice, the major cause of smoking is overheating.

How To Fix A Smoking Pressure Washer?

Well, you should avoid fixing your pressure washer when it is smoking and should consult professionals who know their job well. But if you are eager to solve the issue on your own, then these are steps that you should follow:

 

Turn Off And Disconnect Everything

First, turn off the pressure washer as soon as you see smoke. After that, disconnect the hoses, power cord, and other connections off the pressure washer. Ensure to follow extreme caution, as high-pressure build-up can cause damage. After disconnecting everything, leave the pressure washer for some time to let it cool.

Dismantle The Pressure Washer

The next step is to dismantle the pressure washer. Make sure you have all the proper tools and equipment for that purpose. Open the pressure washer in a well-ventilated and well-lighted area. Make sure to collect every screw, nut, or bolt so you can find them easily when reassembling it. If a certain component is not coming out, avoid using too much force, as it can break them. The heating causes the components to bend, which might be a problem opening.

Examine The Cause Of Smoking

Now that the pressure washer is dismantled, the next step is determining the cause of smoking. As discussed, there can be several smoking causes, and you must determine the root cause. You can use your senses to your advantage. Do not only see the components for any visible damage but also smell them. If you find a strong scent of burn, then it can be the source of smoking. Finding the root cause is easy if you know what you are looking for.

Dismantle The Motor

If you have an electric-powered pressure washer, then it is very important to dismantle the motor even if the smoking is not from it. Dismantle the motor by following the recommended procedure and collecting every component properly.

Check The Motor For Its Integrity

Check the motor for any damages, and ensure to properly check the winding as there can be minor issues that you can easily miss, and they can create big problems. It is possible that outer heat from another part of the pressure washer caused damage to the motor. If you find anything not good, then make sure to solve the issue properly.

Remove The Engine Cover And Check It

Similar to the electric pressure washer, it is important to check the engine if you use a gas pressure washer. Ensure everything, including the fuel pump, carburetor, and other components, are in good condition.

Replace Damaged Components

After examining the pressure washer, replace the components that you think are damaged. It is better to replace the components than repair them because it would be unreliable. Always purchase the components from authentic buyers and use similar components with the same specifications as previous ones.

Reassemble The Pressure Washer

Now reassemble the pressure washer by following the recommended procedure. Secure all the connections properly and tighten all the screws perfectly. The pressure washer holds a lot of pressure, and you must put everything perfectly.

Give It A Try

The last step is to test your repaired pressure washer. Clear the area and test your pressure washer in an open and well-ventilated place. Connect all the hoses and cords. Start the pressure washer by following maximum caution and giving it a try. If everything is working fine, then use it for some time to notice any issues. If everything is perfect, then your pressure washer is ready to use.

Things To Consider When Repairing Your Pressure Washer

There are some things that you should always consider when repairing your pressure washer:

  • Always wear proper safety gear, including safety goggles, gloves, long pants, and full-sleeved shirts.
  • Repair the pressure washer in a well-ventilated place away from children or pets.
  • Make sure to have fire fighting equipment near your pressure washer.

Final Thoughts

Smoke emerging from the pressure washer is not a good indication, and you should turn it off immediately. The most common source of smoke in pressure washers is overheating. Smoking can also be caused by steam from a leaky water pipe or plastic components. As soon as you observe smoke, switch off the pressure washer. Disconnect the pressure washer’s hoses, power cable, and any connections. Always use suitable safety equipment, such as goggles, gloves, long pants, and full-sleeved shirts. Repair the pressure washer away from children and pets in a well-ventilated area.

Jose Kelly
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